THUNDER BAY -- Running might be one of the furthest things from people’s minds as the holiday season approaches.
Organizers of the Ten Mile Road Race are trying to change that.
A media conference was held Saturday morning at presenting sponsor Halfway Motors Nissan to unveil the race’s new logo and slogan, looking to encourage people to get an early start on their training.
Race director Meghan Shanks said organizers are hoping to get 1,200 people registered for next year’s race, boosting registration for one of the city’s oldest and most prestigious running events after two consecutive extended winters.
“We think if we launch a campaign now and get people to start training now they’ll be able to join us in May,” she said.
“With the weird weather we’re having for December it’s a good time to start thinking about a New Year’s resolution and maybe making that the 10 Mile.”
The media conference unveiled the first slogan in the long history of the race, encouraging participants to “shift into a new gear.”
That can have meaning for anybody on the start line, Shanks said.
“For beginners it’s shifting into that new running gear. For people that haven’t ran in a while it’s shifting priorities so running is a priority again. Also, for current runners, they always say it’s time to shift into a new gear to make a personal best or challenge a particular time,” she said.
For those looking to get an early start on getting ready for race day there are local training options.
Members of the Fresh Air 10 Mile Training Group were on hand for the conference. This year’s training group hits the ground on Jan. 17.
Co-director Sandy Guthrie is hopeful the new campaign will help some new runners give the sport a try.
“Our biggest group is the beginner group and they have to start training in January,” Guthrie said.
“It’s a really good way to join our group and get out running. You only have to be able to run three minutes and walk one minute for five kilometres and we’ll get you to the 10 Mile in May.”
The 82nd edition of the race will be run on May 18, 2015. Registration will open online later this month.
